Lesters Shop

Reviews 7

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Zach Baker

Beware of them cutting corners with engine work. Ive had positive experiences in the past with this shop, but this latest visit turned into a very negative experience for my family and they created a very expensive problem for me. Took it in to have the water pump replaced or bearing (or whatever was squeaking) fixed. The mechanic immediately identified (correctly) that it was the water pump. He is an experienced Toyota mech and could tell me quite a bit about the engine. They unfortunately tried to cut corners - assuming it was to save me money - but made poor decisions. They didnt order the replacement for a hose that tends to get munched on this job and it inevitably failed on reassembly. So two more days in the shop waiting on parts and two more hours labor to replace the hose that was easily replaced if it had been done by the book. ... Noticed when I left that the windshield was now cracked below where it is fastened to the firewall. I recalled the mech telling me what he was doing to short-cut the process (working in that area). Lester honored that they broke it and replaced the windshield. The replacement was obviously pulled from another car bc the stickers on the inside had left an outline in the window tinting - fine by me. Not cool that the family car was there for a week but oh well. A week later I noticed that I also now have an oil leak! Took it to Toyota since I was leery of another job by lesters mechs. Turns out that the timing chain cover gasket is a dumb design that is prone to failure if it doesnt get treated carefully when a partial or full engine pull is done because it is a large gasket that meets other gaskets and because the design has other stuff bolted to that...all potentially failing the seal if service isnt carefully done - which my windshield clearly indicates wasnt! - well mine appearently got bumped enough that it was now leaking! Argh! Toyota Dealer quoted $2250 to fix that...when I told the Toyota service rep what had happened he said that Lesters did me wrong and should step up to the plate here. Lesters shop doesnt seem to want to acknowledge their part in this situation (even though the look on their face said it all when I took it back there and had them verify the failed timing chain gasket). I asked them to quote me an estimate and they never called me back with a quote. When I called back to see what the deal was the explanation is they dont want to tie up their bay on a 8+ hour job. I asked him if he wouldnt mind making an estimate anyway and we can figure out when at a later date. Says sure but again never calls back. Ive been nice and havent come at it like they caused it but Im starting to wonder what the real story is here. If its that this is too technical for them to want to do I wish theyd just give it to me straight. I get that they dont want to be done with my vehicle. The mech clearly isnt a fan of the 2GR-FE engine. I get that. But I dont feel like they are taking responsibility here. An engine isnt rock-solid reliable for 10 years and then sprout an oil leak 2 days after an engine pull and it not be related to whatever mishap happened that tore a hose and broke a windshield! The irony is that all this started with the mech not doing the job the way its supposed to be done - but that shortcut is now costing me dearly.

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Joel T.

Ive taken my non-dealership vehicles to Lesters Auto Shop for years. Ive always appreciated the honesty in which Lester and his service personnel have taken with me. My most recent visit was after the purchase of a used vehicle in which my wife and I had some concerns for; Forrest, told us up front that the car had some major mechanical issues, and if possible to return it to its previous owner. Unfortunately, that wasnt an option, and the folks at Lesters took care of our issues and let us know up front that we could look at losing the vehicle to major mechanical errors within six [6] months. I will continue to take any vehicle that I own to his shop because he is a notable mechanic and treats all of his clientele like real people.

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Marissa Shipp

I am a college student with not a lot of money to throw on my car all the time and most places will give you a list of things that you "need" to keep you car going. Lesters understands that what sometimes you just need a part or two to keep your car running. I went because I was missing a tube somewhere that linked my washer fluid to its proper destination and within ten minutes the men at Lesters had diagnosed the problem and created a solution with no problem. The best part is that they were courteous, customer service oriented and committed to customer satisfaction. I was not charged and simply told "Merry Christmas" and would recommend Lesters to anyone because they are so helpful and do not take advantage of their customers.

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Bethany Hicks

I always trust Lesters for everything from maintenance to repair. The one time I didnt, one of those "10 minute oil change" shops destroyed my car--blew the engine a day after they "changed" my oil. After that, I swore to only take my real mechanics, who have one or two guys focusing on the task at hand, instead of 5 guys working as quickly as possible, hollering back information that may or may not get heard over power tools. That said, I have never loved a mechanic shop more than I love Lesters. They are fair priced, quick, & honest...not to mention a fantastic job. I have never had to take a job back to them...they fix it right the first time.

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Rose Bridgham

This is the only mechanic I would ever suggest to anyone in san marcos. After living here for 5 years, Lester and the gang were the only ones to ever take care of my car and get through it without any problems. These guys are great and I was going through a rough situation and they got my car taken care of in one day! They even picked me up at my house when I couldnt get a taxi! They were all incredibly sweet and very helpful and if I could give them more than 5 stars I would! Thanks Lester, Forrest and Adam and everyone else who helped fix my car!!! You guys are awesome!

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Ryan Alberson

I took my vehicle in today and they promptly sized up the problems and gave me a very reasonable quote for the work. However, being a do-it-yourselfer, I decided to do the work myself. They did not charge for the diagnostics and were wonderful to work with. My friends have used them before and found them to be as good mechanics as they are honest businessmen. Best mechanics in San Marcos as far as I am concerned.

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Sondra Ford

Our two daughters attend the University, but we live in Houston. I was VERY unsure of who to call when there was an issue with their vehicle. Lesters shop was a comfort, I felt like we were talking to friends of the family. We do have family in Houston with shops and I know for a fact that his prices for parts and service were honest. Thank you all! HIGHLY RECOMMEND

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